Two schools in Johor decided to cheer new students for the 2017 school session by having Ultraman, Mickey and Minnie Mouse to greet them at the school's entrance.

Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sri Rengit welcomed students on the first day of school by having superhero Ultraman, while SK Taman Scientex was having Mickey and Minnie Mouse to put cheer on the students' faces.

As a result, the initiative went viral on social media and was well received by the parents.

SK Sri Rengit Student Affairs senior assistant, Zizi Edrianna Md Arshad said the idea followed discussions among teachers who wanted to give something different to new students this year.

"Each year, the school has been welcoming students by having teachers to greet them on their arrival. However, this year, apart from the teachers, we have Ultraman to welcome the students at the school entrance.

"Alhamdulillah, we received positive feedback from parents and the students had fun meeting Ultraman at school," she said when contacted by Bernama today.

The inclusion of Ultraman on the first day of 2017 school session was decided at a meeting of 31 teachers under the school's Caring Programme.

Zizi Edrianna said the decision was approved by the headmaster.

SK Sri Rengit has a total of 390 pupils and 50 pre-school children.

Meanwhile, SK Taman Scientex headmistress Ramlah Othman said the use of comic characters was to enhance the motivation of the students and the teachers.

"When students feel good to come to school, they will have fun while learning and the teachers will response in similar fashion.

"Last year, we welcomed students with Upin and Ipin and Kung Fu Panda characters. This year we welcomed students with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and the response from the parents was very encouraging."

Ramlah said the initiative also received support from Pasir Gudang District Education Office and the Parent-Teachers Association.

SK Taman Scientex has a total of 50 pre-school children, 2,120 pupils and 97 teachers. - BERNAMA